Chocolate toxicity in pets is not the only reminder we need to know about in order to have a pet-safe Easter and enjoy animal-friendly activities.
That’s the message Australian animal welfare organisations are wanting us all to hear. FOUR PAWS International is one of those organisations; keep reading to see their Easter pet-safety tips for enjoying an animal-friendly Easter.
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Easter celebrations traditionally involve a lot of chocolate as well as egg-themed activities. While it’s well-known that chocolate can be harmful to pets, Australian animal welfare organisations, such as FOUR PAWS International, point out that there’s more to consider for a pet-safe Easter with animal-friendly activities.
From the eggs we consume to how we decorate; every choice can affect our pets and animal welfare as a whole.
Ethical egg consumption this Easter
Whether you’re baking, decorating or eating them, there is no denying that eggs are a huge part of the Easter season, growing in popularity and consumption every year. But, according to statistics from FOUR PAWS, more than 40% of Australian eggs are still from caged hens. That means the chickens are unable to express their natural behaviour for their entire lives. Just to produce the eggs we eat or, as Easter usually highlights, the eggs we use in games and activities.
“Egg consumption rises sharply in the days around Easter,” says FOUR PAWS’ guide to a pet-safe and animal-friendly Easter.
“This is down to many families believing they cannot do without the colourful Easter eggs.”
FOUR PAWS’ tips for ethical egg consumption this Easter
- Choose free-range: Look for egg that are certified free-range or organic. These labels indicate the hens have a better quality of life and that you aren’t supported factory farmed egg production.
- Support local farms: Buying eggs from local farms can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and ensures you’re supporting ethical farming practices.
- Consider plant-based alternatives: Just as you can buy plastic eggs to decorate, you can buy plant-based eggs to eat. They are a popular everyday choice for many vegans.
- Educate children: Use Easter as a way to educate your children about where eggs come from and ethical egg consumption.
- Recycle and compost: Be mindful of waste. Eggshells are compostable and can be a great addition to your garden or worm farm.
- Dye your own eggs or faux eggs: Buying and decorating your own Easter eggs is a way to ensure you aren’t eating caged eggs. There’s also ‘faux’ eggs available: made from plastic or ceramic, it’s another fun way to enjoy Easter without the cruelty.
Increase eco-friendly and animal friendly decorations and products
Easter decorations can sometimes endanger pets if not chosen carefully.
Items like small, ingestible decorations or toxic plants should be avoided. Opting for pet-safe decorations not only ensures the safety of our animal companions but also promotes a more sustainable and ethical holiday setup. Recommendations include using natural materials and avoiding decorations that can be harmful if ingested.
FOUR PAWS’ says this is really easy to do at Easter, where there are many ethical and eco-friendly options available.
“Buy products with high animal welfare standards and gradually reduce animal products or replace them with plant-based products.”
“At Easter there is an exciting range of delicious recipes for which no chicken has to suffer and no chick has to die.”
Head to the FOUR PAWS website for some great recipe ideas.
Don’t give animals as gifts
No matter how cute they might be or how much you think the cute puppy, kitten, rabbit or even chick is, it’s rarely a good idea to purchase animals for gifts.
FOUR PAWS says that thousands of rabbits are bought as gifts during Easter every year. But sadly, many end up dumped or surrendered to shelters.
“Having a pet is a long-term commitment, and is not a decision to be taken lightly.”
Instead, they’re urging people to consider sponsoring a pet or donating to an organisation as a gift.
Enjoy animal-friendly activities with pets
Including your pets in Easter activities increases the fun for the entire family. Safe and animal-friendly activities include Easter egg hunts for dogs with appropriate treats. Another idea that the kids will love is crafting some DIY pet toys for the dog or cat in their lives!
But remember, outdoor activities must consider local wildlife. Ensure any celebrations and activities do not disrupt their habitat or wellbeing.
Chocolate toxicity in pets: Keep the eggs away from dogs and cats
While most owners know the dangers, Easter is still the busiest time for vets treating chocolate toxicity.
“Most people are aware that chocolate is toxic for pets,” says PETstock vet Dr Katherine Macmillan.
“The main ingredient that causes problems, theobromine, is found in the cocoa beans that are used to make chocolate.
“Like caffeine, dogs can’t metabolise theobromine and this can lead to a range of serious problems, including death.”
Dr Macmillan says the level of chocolate toxicity a dog suffers depends on the cocoa content of the chocolate that is eaten.
“Baking chocolate presents the biggest risk; dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk, while white chocolate is the least likely to cause problems.”
And t’s not just chocolate that can make pets very ill; hot cross buns are also bad for dogs. Particularly those with sultanas or raisins.
Many sweets, and alcohol, are other examples of popular Easter items that can be extremely dangerous for dogs.
Symptoms and treatment of chocolate toxicity in pets
Dr Macmillan says the signs of chocolate toxicity in dogs can develop in two to 12 hours after the chocolate is eaten.
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst or urination, restlessness and agitation (refer to our infographic for all the signs and symptoms of chocolate toxicity in pets).
Pet owners should seek veterinary treatment immediately if their dog has eaten any chocolate.
“If you think your dog has eaten chocolate, take them to the vet before they show signs of being unwell,” says Dr Macmillan.
“The vet will induce vomiting which will stop the toxins being absorbed”.
FACTS: Chocolate toxicity in pets
More dogs go to the vet after eating chocolate during Easter than any other time of year.
Chocolate contains theobromine which, when ingested, can cause serious health complications, and can prove fatal.
The level of chocolate toxicity is dependent on the cocoa content of the chocolate that is consumed by the pet.
Baking chocolate is the biggest risk; dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate, while white chocolate poses the least harm.
Preventing chocolate toxicity
Ensuring your pet doesn’t eat any chocolate is the simplest way to avoid them getting sick.
Dr Macmillan has compiled the following tips to keep pets safe and avoid unwanted visits to the vet.
Storage Store ALL Easter eggs in a high place and out of reach of even the most-clever canine.
Dogs have a strong sense of smell, so what may be well hidden for a child will not work with a dog and their super-sensitive nose!
Creating a safe Easter hunt Place your dog in a separate room or area while you set up and carry out the Easter egg hunt.
If possible, create a map that includes information on where you have placed the eggs, so you can grab the leftovers before your dog.
Dispose any wrapping After the Easter egg hunt, collect all foil and wrapping from the chocolate.
The remnants of the chocolate will make them extremely enticing to dogs but is very difficult for dogs to digest.
Training Having a well-trained dog can come in very handy in dangerous situations.
Teaching your dog to know the ‘drop it’ command is a great way to ensure they let go of dangerous items like chocolate.
Make sure you offer a reward in exchange for the treat, otherwise next time you might not be so lucky!
Original content included in article when first published following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pet-safe Easter: social anxiety in pets during holiday seasons
The decrease in gatherings during COVID has led to an increase in social anxiety in pets.
If you have a dog prone to anxiety, then it’s important to limit their nerves by preparing them for the festivities. More than 40% of dogs suffer anxiety, with a leading trigger being gatherings and celebrations in their home.
PETstock Ambassador and Dog Behaviourist, Lara Shannon, says family celebrations can be intimidating to dogs. Especially those already prone to anxiety.
“These include the music, extra movement, different odours, and even just a change to the daily routine,” says Dr Tara.
“If you are planning to host a get-together this Easter, consider what your pet will be up for in terms of socialisation.”
Dr Lara suggests creating a safe space in advance and slowly building up your pets’ comfort in it.
“Ensure that this safe space is always accessible to your pet by making it a permanent fixture,” says Lara.
“It should not be a one-off space, but a space where your pet can seek when they start to feel afraid or uncomfortable.
“If it becomes a space that you only use during events, your pet may refuse to enter the unfamiliar space.”
Extra Easter Love Owners can set aside quality time with their pet if they suffer anxiety.
“With all these precautions, it might sound like your animal friend could be missing out on a lot of fun,” says Lara.
“While it is still the long weekend, you could set some time aside to spend some quality time with your pet.
“Take them on a walk or, if they prefer to stay at home, prepare a pet-friendly Easter ‘egg’ hunt with tasty treats from PETstock.
“You can even build a pet-friendly party favour and include some well-themed toys for the occasion.”
For more information, or to find some pet-friendly Easter treat ideas, head to www.petstock.com.au
